A study by University of Leicester researchers finds potential mechanisms for reducing the development of intestinal adenomas through consumption of rice bran and rice bran derivatives that are sources of dietary fiber, according to Dr. Robert Smith, SVP operations and R&D for RiceBran Technologies.

The company’s patented RiFiber was used in the study and “the results indicate its potential as a chemopreventive ingredient that supports gastrointestinal health”, he says.

Working with RiceBran Technologies RiFiber rice bran derivative, which is high in insoluble dietary fiber, the UK study demonstrates a dose-dependent reduction in intestinal adenomas in ApcMin mice that consumed a diet containing RiFiber.

ApcMin mice possess a heritable Apc gene mutation that is responsible for adenoma mutation and serve as a model for colorectal carcinogenesis.

The UK scientists showed that consumption of RiFiber in ApcMin mice was associated with changes in metabolic pathways as evidenced by metabolic profiling.

Moreover, proteomic analysis identified adiponectin as a component that was significantly elevated in the RiFiber fed mice.

Elevated levels of adiponectin have previously been associated with a suppression of carcinogenesis in ApcMin mice, and with skeletal muscle mass increase and fat cell reduction in human studies.